Looking to switch up your dessert routine? Look no further than these delectable Mediterranean treats. From Greece to Italy, these desserts are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Plus, with our easy recipe, you can recreate them at home and impress your guests. Keep reading to discover your new favorite dessert.
Greek Lemon Olive Oil Cake
Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors with this Greek Lemon Olive Oil Cake. The fresh lemon adds a zesty aroma, while the olive oil brings a subtle earthiness to the cake. The optional sweet glaze adds an extra layer of flavor and moisture. It’s a unique and delicious treat that’s sure to impress your taste buds.
Baklava
Indulge in the decadent layers of phyllo pastry, spiced with cinnamon and cloves, and filled with a heavenly blend of ground nuts. But the real magic happens when it’s soaked in a sweet syrup made of sugar, honey, and tangy lemon juice. The spices add depth to the nuttiness, while the sweetness is perfectly balanced with a touch of sourness.
Greek Orange Honey Cake with Pistachios
This Mediterranean dessert is a unique and flavorful cake that’s sure to impress. The cake is made with tangy sweetness from the orange and almost floral notes from the honey. The addition of tasty pistachios adds a nice crunch to the cake. This dessert is perfect for those who love citrus and honey flavors. If you want to keep the recipe for later, simply enter your email below and it will be sent straight to your inbox.
Mediterranean Lemon Cake
If you’re looking for a light and fluffy cake with a tangy twist, the Mediterranean Lemon Cake is the perfect choice. This cake is not only delicious on its own, but it also serves as a blank canvas for adding various yummy extras. For an extra pop of flavor, try adding blueberries or raspberries to the batter. You can also switch up the citrus flavor by substituting the lemon with oranges or limes. Enjoy this refreshing cake as a dessert or a sweet snack.
Tiramisu
Tiramisu is a popular Italian dessert that is enjoyed by many around the world. This dessert is known for its soft and creamy texture, as well as its rich flavor. Tiramisu is infused with coffee, which gives it an intense flavor that is mostly enjoyed by adults. The dessert is made with sponge cake that is soaked in coffee and layered with a mixture of mascarpone cheese and whipped cream. Tiramisu is a delicious and indulgent dessert that is perfect for any occasion.
Tarte Tatin
If you’re looking for a classic French dessert that’s sure to impress, try making Tarte Tatin. This upside-down pie features caramelized apples and a buttery crust. The caramelization process brings out the natural sweetness of the apples, resulting in a deliciously sweet and flavorful dessert. Don’t be intimidated by the fancy name – Tarte Tatin is easier to make than you might think and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Chocolate-Dipped Almond Biscotti
When it comes to biscotti recipes, you have a lot of options. However, if you want the best, you should definitely try making chocolate-dipped almond biscotti. This crunchy cookie is perfect for pairing with coffee in the morning or enjoying as a snack any time of day. Plus, it has a long shelf life, making it an ideal edible gift for the holidays.
Coconut Pistachio Cake
Indulge in the delectable flavors of coconut and pistachio with this must-try cake. The recipe is simple and easy to follow, making it perfect for any level of baker. Impress your friends and family with the unique blend of flavors that looks as good as it tastes.
Crinkle Cake
Looking for a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth? Crinkle Cake is the perfect solution. This cheat’s version of baklava is simple to make and delivers the same crunchy pastry and sticky-nutty finish. Add your favorite nuts or chopped chocolate to customize the flavor and make this dessert your go-to for any occasion.
Crema Catalana
If you’re a fan of crème brûlée, you’ll love crema Catalana. This Spanish dessert is similar to crème brûlée, but it’s made with milk instead of heavy cream, giving it a lighter texture. The dessert is typically flavored with a blend of cinnamon, orange, and lemon zest, adding a burst of citrusy flavor to the creamy dessert. And of course, like crème brûlée, crema Catalana is topped with a layer of caramelized sugar that adds a delicious crunch to every bite.
Traditional Greek Galaktouboureko
If you’re looking for a sweet and creamy treat, look no further than the Traditional Greek Galaktouboureko. This dessert is made with layers of crisp phyllo dough and a smooth custard filling, all topped off with a sweet syrup. It’s easy to make and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ravani (Greek Semolina Cake)
If you’re a fan of semolina recipes, Ravani is a must-try. This traditional Greek cake is known for its light and fluffy texture, with a slightly grainy finish from the semolina. The taste is pleasant and reminiscent of almond flour, with notes of orange and vanilla adding a delicious twist. You’ll definitely want a second slice of this tasty dessert.
Cannoli
If you’re a fan of Italian desserts, you’ve probably heard of cannoli. This fried pastry shell filled with sweet ricotta cheese is a treat that’s hard to resist. With so many flavors available, it’s easy to find one that suits your taste buds. The classic orange and mini chocolate chips is a popular choice, but there are many other options to explore. Whether you’re a cannoli enthusiast or just trying it for the first time, this dessert is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Lemon Ricotta Cookies
These cookies are a delightful combination of tangy lemon and rich ricotta cheese. The recipe is simple, requiring only a few pantry-staple ingredients, but the resulting flavor is anything but simple. The added fat from the ricotta cheese makes the cookies tender and satisfying, similar to sour cream cookies.
Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake
Indulge in the creamy and tangy flavors of Italian lemon ricotta cake. This dessert is a perfect blend of ricotta cheese and lemon, creating a light, moist, and flavorful treat. Each bite is pure bliss, making it one of the all-time favorite desserts.
French Macarons
French Macarons are delightful treats that may seem difficult to make at first, but are worth the effort. Their versatility with flavors is what makes them special. You can choose from classic vanilla, tangy lemon, and rich chocolate ganache, among others. These petite treats are perfect for any occasion and can be customized to your liking.
Imqaret
If you have a sweet tooth, you must try Imqaret, a traditional Maltese dessert. These small diamond-shaped pastries are made from a unique blend of dates, flour, and spices. The anisette adds a slightly herbal finish that ties everything together.
Kremsnita
If you’re a dessert lover, you should try Kremsnita, a delicious Balkan pastry. With its flaky puff pastry layers and creamy vanilla and custard filling, it’s no wonder it’s a favorite among many. This dessert is similar to the custard slice commonly found in the UK and Australia. Give it a try and experience the heavenly taste of Kremsnita.
Croatian Madjarica
If you’re a fan of flaky pastries and sweet fillings, you’ll love the Croatian Madjarica. This layered chocolate slice is similar to the Australian version, but with a twist. Instead of mixing everything together, you’ll layer the cake with the filling to create a fun color contrast. Give it a try and satisfy your sweet tooth!
Kanafeh
If you’re looking for a sweet and crunchy dessert, Kanafeh is the perfect choice. Made with shredded phyllo dough, it’s filled with creamy cheese and topped with sugar syrup. The texture is crunchy on top and sticky at the bottom, making it a unique and delicious treat.
Namourah (Lebanese Semolina Cake, aka Basbousa)
If you’re a fan of Lebanese desserts, you must try Namourah. This nutty semolina cake is made with rich butter, sweet sugar, and orange blossom water. The classic recipe is delicious, but the one with coconut is even better. Namourah is a perfect dessert for any occasion and is sure to impress your guests.
Pistachio Tahini Halva
If you’re a fan of sweet and nutty treats, you’re going to love Pistachio Tahini Halva. This dense and crumbly dessert is perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea. Here are some key points to know about this delicious treat:
- Made with ground sesame seeds and sweetened with honey or sugar
- Typically mixed with nuts, such as pistachios, for added texture and flavor
- Can be enjoyed on its own or used as a topping for ice cream or yogurt
So next time you’re in the mood for a satisfying and indulgent dessert, give Pistachio Tahini Halva a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Om Ali (Egyptian Bread Pudding)
If you’re looking for a sweet and satisfying dessert, Om Ali is a must-try. This traditional Egyptian dish consists of layers of pastry soaked in a creamy mixture of milk, cream, and sugar. The addition of nuts and raisins provides a delightful texture and sweetness to each bite. Om Ali is easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of Egypt!
Greek Yogurt Cake
If you’re a fan of tangy and sweet desserts, then you have to try this Greek yogurt cake recipe. The yogurt gives the cake a tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the other ingredients. Lemon is a great choice to complement the yogurt, but if you prefer a sweeter taste, you can use orange instead. This cake is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it.
Kourabiedes
If you’re a fan of sweet treats, you’ll love kourabiedes. These Greek cookies have a crumbly texture that melts in your mouth, making them a perfect dessert or snack.
Baklava Cheesecake
If you’re looking for a unique dessert that combines sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, you must try baklava cheesecake. This dessert is a perfect blend of creamy cheesecake and flaky, nutty baklava. Each bite melts in your mouth, leaving you wanting more. It’s a must-try for any dessert lover.
Dark Chocolate Olive Oil Cake
Indulge in the rich and decadent Dark Chocolate Olive Oil Cake, boasting a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The combination of olive oil and dark chocolate creates a deep and complex flavor profile that is perfectly balanced by the subtle fruitiness of the olive oil. Add a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the experience. Don’t worry about the olive oil overpowering the cake; it only enhances the overall taste.
Summary
When it comes to Mediterranean desserts, there is a wide variety of sweet treats to choose from. From the classic baklava to the refreshing citrusy sorbets, the Mediterranean cuisine offers a range of desserts that cater to different tastes and preferences. Many of these desserts use ingredients such as nuts, honey, and fruits that are abundant in the region, making them both delicious and healthy. Whether you have a sweet tooth or just want to try something new, Mediterranean desserts are definitely worth exploring.